“Buy a rocking chair and never sit in it.” This is the best
advice I have ever received. It came from a 90-year-old man, who
swam a mile every day and walked the complex where he lived in
Florida every night. When I met this man, I was in awe. He was in
better shape than many people I know who w
ere half, or even a third his age. I asked him what his secret
was, and the above advice was his reply. The bottom line – keep
moving.
“Buy a rocking chair and never sit in it.” This is the best advice I have ever received. It came from a 90-year-old man, who swam a mile every day and walked the complex where he lived in Florida every night.
When I met this man, I was in awe. He was in better shape than many people I know who were half, or even a third his age. I asked him what his secret was, and the above advice was his reply. The bottom line – keep moving.
I have seen this advice put to use many times over the course of my career as a personal trainer. Clients of all ages (ranging in age from 10-90 years) have come to me for a variety of reasons.
One gentleman in particular comes to mind. He is coming upon his 77th birthday, and is an avid fly fisherman. He is a cancer survivor and a heart patient. And he is one of the most inspirational people I know. He always comes in with a smile and a story.
When we first started out a year and a half ago, we began slowly. As our time has progressed, we have gotten somewhat more aggressive in our workouts, and have done a host of different types of exercises ranging from cardio, to resistance training (using weight machines, free weights, and bands), to Pilates moves, to stretching.
Small victories abound. Every day there is something new. He now bends down to pick up a penny, whereas in the past he wouldn’t do it for less than a quarter. He sits up in bed with ease and walking his dog is more pleasurable.
Another situation that I think of is that of a woman in her late 70’s. She wanted to get back into shape after several years of being sedentary. We began slowly, using very light weight, and in some cases, no weight at all. The moves we used were basic moves for each muscle group. At the start, she had difficulty riding the stationary bike for more than five minutes.
As our workouts progressed, she was able to do more and more. The amount of weight she lifted increased substantially, and she was able to ride the bike for 30 minutes. Each day she came to see me (three times per week), she would tell me about things she was able to do in her yard (she loved to do yard work) or in her house that she was not able to do before. She could lift more and had way more endurance. Even playing with her grandchildren became more enjoyable.
Studies have shown that physical activity promotes brain function. As we age, we know that mentality often suffers. Older individuals who exercise are more likely to keep their wits about them than those that don’t.
Exercising in your later years does not have to begin in your 70s, 80s, or 90s. It can begin anytime. The earlier you begin, the better, but it’s never too late to start. However, it is a wise idea to check with your doctor before you begin any sort of exercise program.
Many health clubs offer specials for seniors. Mavericks Sports Club in Morgan Hill is one of these clubs. We offer a senior discount (65+ years) and if you bring in this article, receive $150 off the enrollment fee and get the rest of February free.
Karen Frost is the Personal Training Director for Mavericks Sports Club in Morgan Hill. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education/Fitness Management from New York University, and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
